The Suzuki Method

The Suzuki Method of music education is based on the philosophy of the Japanese violinist, teacher and humanitarian Dr Shinichi Suzuki. It is about much more than just music lessons: “Music exists for the purpose of growing an admirable heart,” Suzuki said.

During World War II Suzuki had seen some of the worst things that human beings can do to each other, the fruits of cruel, cold hearts. Suzuki envisioned a very different environment for children founded on respect, trust and love. He believed that all of us, adults as well as children, have the potential to become better people, and that through empathy and mutual encouragement, working together for all that is good and beautiful, we can build a better world.

How do we do it? When we are in an environment where music surrounds us, it becomes a part of our being; it changes us on the inside. The act of making music through learning an instrument reinforces this further, it teaches us to listen to ourselves and to others. Over time, the act of music-making in community, child, parent and teacher, helps us to bond one with another, spirit to spirit - or as Suzuki puts it, “The heart that feels music will feel people.” Music serves as the key to unlock our full human potential.

As a result of a Suzuki education, it is true that many children learn to play music to a very high standard, but Suzuki’s priority was always character first, ability second. His vision was that if all children could be nourished this way, universal peace would follow, a message that is just as necessary for us today. It may be a drop in the ocean, perhaps, but the whole ocean is made up of drops!

The best way to understand the Suzuki approach is to experience it yourself.